Associate Director - Cost Manager​/Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Associate Director - Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor - Data Center Construction

Turner & Townsend is seeking an experienced Associate Director – Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to provide expert cost management services on a large‑scale, mission‑critical data centre programme. This client‑facing leadership role requires exceptional communication skills and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

In this position you will provide strategic leadership and direction, ensuring successful delivery of cost management services while embedding and promoting Turner & Townsend’s purpose, values, and vision. You will manage both internal and external stakeholders, driving collaboration and accountability across the project lifecycle.

• Lead end‑to‑end cost management across all project phases, ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and schedule for hyperscale data centre programmes and other sectors.
• Develop and maintain detailed cost plans, estimates, and forecasts using industry benchmarks and technical documentation.
• Manage change control: review and negotiate change orders, track post‑contract variances, and ensure robust commercial governance.
• Oversee contractor and subcontractor pricing reviews, scope validation and procurement strategy development; advise on contracting & procurement approaches and support programme‑level capital planning.
• Coordinate closely with scheduling teams to integrate cost forecasts with project timelines and milestones.
• Serve as primary point of contact for commercial status reporting; produce and present monthly cost reports, executive summaries, and financial updates to stakeholders.
• Take lead role interfacing with clients, stakeholders and consultants at all project stages; maintain excellent communication and build strong relationships.
• Drive cost risk analysis, scenario planning, sensitivity testing; monitor market trends and provide insights on escalation, labour availability and material pricing.
• Develop strategies for cost optimisation and value engineering to enhance outcomes and reduce lifecycle costs.
• Set and track performance via KPIs and critical success factors; prepare and deliver presentations to senior leadership.
• Manage financial performance using internal systems to track margins, forecasts and reporting; implement and maintain BMS and company delivery methodologies.
• Identify opportunities to improve cost management processes, templates and tools; champion knowledge management.
• Provide strong leadership with a clear strategy and ambition for the team; mentor and develop junior staff, conduct performance reviews and foster a high‑performance culture.
• Act as brand ambassador; develop market understanding, build pipeline of opportunities and identify cross‑selling and business generation opportunities.
• Participate in proposals/RFP responses and attend networking events to expand market presence and relationships.
• SOX control responsibilities may be part of this role where applicable.

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering or a related field; graduate degree preferred.
• 8–10+ years’ experience in cost management or project controls within construction, ideally on large‑scale, mission‑critical projects such as data centres, high‑tech, industrial.
• Proven experience in construction consultancy and client‑facing delivery.
• Strong understanding of MEP systems, resilience requirements and campus‑scale infrastructure.
• Expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, cost control systems, Earned Value Management, and procurement strategies.
• Proficiency with industry‑standard cost management tools and software (CostX, Oracle, Excel, Primavera).
• RICS accreditation or equivalent certification (or progression toward certification) highly desirable.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.

On‑site presence and requirements may change depending on our client’s needs.

Turner & Townsend is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicant information will be kept confidential in accordance with EEO guidelines.

We do not accept any speculative or unsolicited CVs that have been sent to our internal recruitment team or hiring managers from agencies outside our preferred supplier list. Candidates must not pay any fee for the recruitment process.